Improvement in ore-washers



w. FRuE.

Oe-Washers.

Patented Dec. 22, i874.

WITNESSES WWW TTURNEYS.

Ulvrrnn STATES PArrNf-r @ma WILLIAM B. FRUE, OF SILVER ISLET, CANADA.

IMPROVEMENT IN ORE-WASHERS.

Specification forming part ofLetters Patent No. 158,057, dated December 22, 1874; application filed October 3, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM BELL FRUE, of Silver Islet, Province of Ontario, Canada, have invented a new and Improved Ore- Washer, of which the following is a specification:

My invention relates more particularly to that class of separating machinery known as vanning-machines, its object being to effect a separation of the heavy ores or metals, such as gold, silver, copper, tin, Src., from the associated rock when in a pulverized condition and suspended in a current of water.

My invention consists of an outer stationary frame, within which is supported an inner frame having attached the endless traveling apron or conveyer. To the inner frame and attachments a quick vibratory motion is communicated, which, in combination with the progressive motion of the conveyer and flow of water, effects the sifting and deposit of the heavier metal particles on the surface of the conveyer, to which they adhere, the lighter particles of rock, Sto., being washed olf.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation taken on line w a: of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional elevation on line y y, Fig. l and Fig. 3, an end elevation of a vanning-machine constructed accordin g to my invention.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

F is the outer frame of the machine, strongly constructed of wood or iron, within which the apron-frame B is supported on the sliding shafts E', held in suitable bearings L. 'lo these sliding shafts fixed pulleys are attached, around which passes the endless apron or conveyer A, driven from the drum C, which is placed underneath, and near the center of the apron-frame B, and which gives a continuous progressive motion to the endless apron A. The position of the drum O being the point of least lateral motion of the belt reduces the wear on the same to a minimum. D is the drivin gpulley. The apron-frame B is moved laterally with a quick vibratory motion by the connecting-rods K K Kand cran k-shaft E. I I are collar-rings fastened by a set-screw to sliding shafts Ef, for holding theyokes H on the end of the apron-frame B, to which-z'. c., to the yokes H-the connectin g-rods K are attached in position. rI he endless apron A travels over and is supported by the rollers B B B', resting in suitable bearings on the apron-frame B. G is the regulating-pulley used for guiding the endless apron parallel to the apron-frame, and also as a belt-tightener to increase the friction between the large drum and the apron. lis the water-sluice, and H the sand or ore sluice. L Ll are pillow-blocks. J is the collecting tank, filled with water, into which the endless apron dips when passing around drum C. The endless beltAis made of rubber and canvas, or other suitable material, with upright rubber flanges attached along its edges, and rising a short distance above its upper surface. The lian ges are made sufficiently elastic to avoid distortion when passing around the pulleys. The upper surface of the apron is inclined from the horizontal by slope of apronfraine B, in order that the water and sand may flow down to the lower end of the machine into waste-huurder Ki The operation of the machine is as follows: The powdered material, suspended in a current of water, flows down the sandvsluice, and is distributed by a spreader in the same over the width of the apron, owing down the inclined surface of the sametoward the lower end of the machine. A regulated stream of water runs from the water-sluice behind the sand-sluice. At the saine time the endless apron A travels forward slowly and continuously, receiving at the same time a rapid shak, ing motion from the crank-shaft E. rIhe heavier ores and metals are settled by the shaking motion, and are carried by the apron up against the descending stream of water, to be ultimately deposited in the water-tank underneath, through which the now inverted apron passes. A light stream of Water playing on the under side of the apron as it leaves the tank washes back any still adhering particles of ore or metal. The lighter particles of rock are washed down the apron by the stream of water, and drop over the lower end roller into the waste or tailings launder.

I do not wish it to be understood that I confine myself to the secondary motion, as communicated -by the connecting rods K and crank-shaft E, as there are many different ways in which an equivalent motion can be imparted Ihe combination of endless traveling and laterally-shakin g apron A with an ore-sluice, H', having spreader, the Water-sluice I, and the subjacent water-tank'J', all arranged substantially as and for the purpose specified.

WILLIAM BELL FRUE.

Witnesses:

T. B. MosHER, ALEX. F. ROBERTS. 

